Consider this a sharp extension of your hand. The blade is long enough to slice pretty much every vegetable, and the tip is fine enough for delicate work.

BA Test Kitchen Pick:The Mac 8-Inch Pro Chef's Knife With Dimples ($175) is our workhorse: The size is just right, and we love the combination of a classic Western shape with a harder steel edge. The bolsterless symmetrical blade makes for easy sharpening.